By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — Selangor’s vision to nurture 300 entrepreneurs in high-impact industries over the coming years is set to create a positive ripple effect on the national economy, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
He said the state’s strategic focus on future-defining sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), smart mobility, bio-based solutions and net zero emissions, alongside key industries such as food and beverage, fashion and health, will not only boost the state’s economy, but also contribute significantly to Malaysia’s broader economic prosperity.
“The innovations and solutions developed within these areas have the potential to create new industries, generate employment and enhance the quality of life for Malaysians nationwide.
“This initiative is not just about advancing Selangor; it is about contributing to the broader economic prosperity of Malaysia,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) Twin Accelerator Programme here today.
This year’s edition includes the seventh cohort of the Selangor Accelerator Programme (SAP24) and the second cohort of the Selangor E-Commerce Xccelerator (ECX24).
SAP24 will focus on nurturing 50 startups in AI, smart mobility, bio-based solutions and net zero, while also providing mentorship, networking and growth support.
ECX24, meanwhile, will support 50 small and medium enterprises in industries like food and beverage, home living, fashion, health and social impact. The programme will also offer training in AI, branding, data analytics and cross-border expansion, with winners gaining access to investment opportunities and prizes.
Both programmes are held in collaboration with key partners, including Affin Bank, Invest Selangor Bhd, TikTok Shop and Microsoft.
Sidec has received over 550 applications for the Twin Accelerator Programme.
[caption id="attachment_371788" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari attend the launch of Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation’s Twin Accelerator Programme at the Khazanah Auditorium, Asia School of Business, Kuala Lumpur, on September 10, 2024. — Picture by HARUN TAJUDIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
In his speech, Gobind said Selangor’s transformation into a digital hub is no coincidence but a result of strategic investments, collaborative efforts and a shared vision to position Malaysia as a global leader in the digital economy.
“In fact, the state is already leading the way. Data from the Statistics Department showed that Selangor contributed RM406.07 billion or 25.9 per cent to Malaysia’s gross domestic product in 2023.
“The state also contributed RM769.9 billion or 29.2 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade of RM2.637 trillion in the same year.”
Gobind expressed hope that similar entrepreneurial development programmes could be implemented nationwide to establish Malaysia as a powerhouse in the global digital economy.
He also reiterated his ministry’s commitment to building a robust digital infrastructure, preparing the nation to capitalise on next-gen technologies.
“At the Digital Ministry, we are focused on infrastructure and ensuring that while we address today’s challenges, we also prepare for tomorrow’s with the necessary ecosystem. We must be ready to take immediate advantage of new technologies and ensure that they are safe and effective.”
Gobind also emphasised the government’s efforts to attract more venture capital firms to Malaysia, noting recent improvements in the economy.
He pointed out that Selangor and Penang have shown significant progress, with increased confidence from investors.
“The first half of this year has been promising. All these factors combined provide encouragement for investors. Looking ahead to next year, we anticipate more investments and increased interest in our startups,” he said.
Also present at today’s event were Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han, Sidec chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping, and Affin Islamic Bank chief executive officer Datuk Paduka Syed Mashafuddin Syed Badarudin.
